The biggest story in Twins training camp this year is the total revamp of the starting pitching rotation.
Only Scott Diamond remains, as he’s joined by newcomers Vance Worley, Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey. Former Twins first-round pick Kyle Gibson has an outside shot to be the fifth starter.
Today, Diamond told the Pioneer Press that he’s hopeful he can pitch on opening day (April 1), but as he recovers from minor elbow surgery, he feels “in limbo” — not wanting to be too agressive as a 162-game season looms ahead.
The real pitching solution, according to Associated Press writer Dave Campbell, is probably a few years away with prospects Trevor May and Alex Meyer (obtained in trades) waiting in the wings.
If … and at this point it’s a big “if” … the Twins find themselves competing in the American League Central this year, Twins president Dave St. Peter is on record saying the club does have money to add a free agent or two.
But he tells the Pioneer Press that will happen only if it’s “in the best interests of the club long term.”
All this as the pitchers and catchers reported to the Twins’ complex in Fort Myers, Fla., this morning. Here’s the first look, courtesy PiPress writer Brian Murphy:
"Thwack!" The sweetest sound of tongue and pen, the first swings of #MNTwins spring training pic.twitter.com/QKEwqtUE
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) February 12, 2013
One other link, from TwinsDaily.com. Here’s Seth Stoh’s prediction of which pitchers and catchers will actually stick with the big club this spring — complete with percentages. For example: Cole De Vries (51% )… etc …
